Premier League: QPR 0 Norwich City 0

Queens Park Rangers are still bottom of the English Premier League after Adel Taarabt’s penalty miss in the 0-0 draw against Norwich.

The Moroccan’s spot-kick was saved by Mark Bunn after the goalkeeper had tripped Jamie Mackie in the area during the second half of Saturday’s clash.

Despite good efforts from both teams, heroics from Bunn and Julio Cesar kept the scores level and Harry Redknapp’s side bottom of the table.

Redknapp named two deadline-day signings in the starting line-up, with Christopher Samba coming straight into the centre of defence, while Andros Townsend started on the wing.

Norwich’s own recruit Luciano Becchio started on the bench, with manager Chris Hughton opting for an unchanged line-up to the side that drew against Tottenham at Carrow Road on Wednesday.

Both sides had early chances, with Taarabt screwing a shot wide after some good footwork, while Wes Hoolahan blazed over from close range, but he was flagged for offside.

Taarabt came close after 10 minutes following more typically sublime footwork, but dragged his shot just wide of Bunn’s right-hand post before playing in Mackie for a shot across the face of goal moments later.

The rest of the first half was fairly low on quality in the final third, with a succession of moves failing for both sides and neither goalkeeper tested beyond simple catches and claims.

The hosts had a few free-kicks from distance that were whipped in by Taarabt, but they were well dealt with by the Norwich back-line before referee Jonathan Moss blew for half-time.

The second half burst into life after good work from the away side, with Robert Snodgrass’ cross flicked on towards goal by Hoolahan, only for Cesar to spring to his right to stop it.

Then QPR and Taarabt wasted their best chance of the match.

Mackie was played through and as he got to the ball was tripped in the area by Bunn, with Moss pointing to the spot and cautioning the goalkeeper.

Taarabt looked calm, stepped up and hit a decent effort to Bunn’s left, but the ‘keeper got down well to make a great stop.

Despite late pressure from both teams, including another couple of fine stops from Cesar, there was to be no winner.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

SoccerNews

Soccernews.com is news blog for soccer with comprehensive coverage of all the major leagues in Europe, as well as MLS in the United States. In addition we offer breaking news for transfers and transfer rumors, ticket sales, betting tips and offers, match previews, and in-depth editorials.

You can follow us on Facebook: Facebook.com/soccernews.com or Twitter: @soccernewsfeed.

advertisement

Get all the latest football news, betting tips, and promotions for all the major leagues around the world. Read in depth articles on all major Premier League events and other from countries with comments and opinions from our experienced bloggers. Also, find fixtures, results, and live score service. Read More